Pre-orders on the Silhouette CAMEO 4 and CAMEO 4 bundles have started!!
Not only am I going to tell you where to order your Silhouette CAMEO 4 so you get it weeks earlier than anywhere else, but I am going to answers ALL your burning questions about the 12" CAMEO 4.
Want to know what's in the CAMEO 4 box?
What old Silhouette tools can be used (hello, Foil Quill and CB09)?
What you need to know about Silhouette Studio software?
Is the Silhouette CAMEO 4 quieter than the CAMEO 3?
I have it all...and SO.MUCH. MORE!
I have been dying to tell you guys sooo much since I got my hands on
Let's get down to business...
Where to Pre-Order Silhouette CAMEO 4
The first 12" Silhouette CAMEO 4 machines will begin shipping from Swing Design this month - weeks ahead of any other retailer - inicluding Silhouette America! In fact, a limited number of white CAMEO 4 machines and bundles are on target to start shipping the week of September 16!!
The Pink CAMEO 4 and Black Silhouette CAMEO 4 machines and bundles are also on pre order! The colored machines won't, however, start shipping until sometime in October. Again they'll ship first from Swing with their standard free shipping (over $35).
What Comes With the Silhouette CAMEO 4?
Out of the box, the Silhouette CAMEO 4 includes the following tools and accessories.
- 12 Inch x 12 Inch Cutting Mat
- AutoBlade 2 - Single tap rest auto adjusts blade to match cut job material
- 4 Tool Adapters
- Ratchet Adjustment Tool
- Built in Crosscutter
- Built In Roll Feeder
- 7 Silhouette School eGuides (Swing Design Exclusive)
- Silhouette CAMEO 4 Video Class (Swing Design Exclusive)
- 1 Year Warranty
- Silhouette Studio Software (Basic)
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Power Adapter
- USB Cord
Silhouette CAMEO 4 bundles include an assortment of additional tools, accessories, educational materials and supplies.
What Blades and Tools are Included with the CAMEO 4?
The Silhouette CAMEO 4 Autoblade and four tool adapters are included with the machine.
The adapters allow you to use tools and blades from older Silhouette machines with the CAMEO 4.
The Silhouette CAMEO 4 specialty blades - Kraft Blade, Rotary Blade, and Punch tool - are NOT included with the Silhouette CAMEO 4, but can be purchased separately at a later day. (Currently they say 'sold out' at Swing, but they have not yet been released from Silhouette America and sold out is the designation when they are not in stock.)
If you purchases a bundle from Swing Design it will include a 40% off coupon for the CAMEO 4 specialty blades.
Silhouette CAMEO 4 FAQs
I have a whole series of Silhouette CAMEO 4 tutorials lined up over the next few weeks, but I know there are a TON of questions you want answers to now so you can decide if the CAMEO 4 is right for you. I will expand on each of these topics in the coming weeks, but will provide the short, concise answer here and if I have already covered it previously on the blog, I will also link to more information.I'm going to get to all of the Silhouette CAMEO 4 FAQs...but as a reminder here are the features of the CAMEO 4.
NEW Silhouette CAMEO 4 Features
- Increased Downward Force - up to 5kg (5000 g) to allow for the cutting of thicker materials including leather, mat board, balsa wood and craft foam
- Increased Cutting Speed and Acceleration of about 2x Faster than CAMEO 3
- Higher Clearance - raising to 3MM (from 2MM)
- Ability to use Silhouette Rotary Blade
- Ability to use Silhouette Kraft Blade
- Single tap AutoBlade (to reset)
- Larger Tool Carriage Housing (4 Tool adapters included to use older tools)
- Gear Driven Tool Carriage to accommodate Rotary Blade, Kraft Blade, Punch tool and new Auto Blade
- Touch Panel
- Auto Tool Detection allows for the software and machine to detect if the tool in the carriage is a sketch pen, blade, auto blade, etc
- Built-in Pull Out Roll Feeder
- Retractable Cover
- Re-designed rollers allow for one hand adjustments
What tools can be used in the CAMEO 4 tool adapters?
The four adapters included with the Silhouette CAMEO 4 are for Silhouette sketch pens, the ratchet blade, the CAMEO 3 Kraft blade, and the Deep Cut blade. The Premium Blade and fabric blades can also be used with the adapters.In addition Silhouette School can confirm popular third party tools including the Foil Quill tips, the CB09 Blade, and the Amy Chomas etching and engraving tips can also be used in the CAMEO 4.
Can tools be placed in both Silhouette 4 carriages?
Yes and no. The CAMEO 4 is a dual carriage cutting machine, however each of the carriages has a different type of motor. Carriage 1 is designated for the standard tools and adapters like the Autoblade, sketch pens, Premium and Deep Cut blades. Carriage 2 is exclusively for the specialty tools: Punch Tool, Rotary Blade, and Kraft Blade. Learn more about the new Silhouette CAMEO 4 smart tool system including the pros and cons.Can I use my old Silhouette cutting mats in CAMEO 4?
YesWhat software does Silhouette CAMEO 4 run on?
Silhouette Studio runs the CAMEO 4 just like all other Silhouette machines. A free update to V4.3.231 or higher is required. The software update is/will be available at the Silhouette America website. Until a Silhouette CAMEO 4 is plugged in and powered on, the CAMEO 4 options will not appear.Will I need to re-purchase Silhouette Studio upgrades?
No. Your current Silhouette Studio upgrade, Designer Edition, DE+ or Business Edition, will automatically transfer when you update your software and can be used when operating the CAMEO 4.What are the biggest differences with the CAMEO 4 vs CAMEO 3?
The CAMEO 4 is a faster and more powerful cutting machine. Check out this extensive comparison between the Silhouette CAMEO 3 vs CAMEO 4.Do I need both the CAMEO 3 and 4?
Ultimately that's a question only you can answer. This Silhouette CAMEO comparison chart should help you decide.Is the new Silhouette 4 any quieter than the CAMEO 3?
I did a side by side video comparison of the noise level of both machines while cutting the exact same design, the same material, and from the same distance. Here's the visual of the audio waves...and a video of the noise from the CAMEO 4 vs CAMEO 3. It's safe to say the CAMEO 4 is noticeably quieter than the CAMEO 3.
Does the CAMEO 4 need a firmware update?
You will be prompted to update the firmware the first time you attempt to cut with the Bluetooth on the CAMEO 4. The prompt will appear in the Send panel and is an easy update - just a simple click - but should be done with the USB cord connecting the CAMEO 4 and computer.
How much faster does the CAMEO 4 cut than the CAMEO 3?
The Silhouette CAMEO 4 cuts about three times faster than the CAMEO 3. You can watch a side by side video of the two machines cutting here.Are the CAMEO 4 rollers any easier to move?
YES! Huge improvement and you can now move the right roller with a single hand adjustment!What are the biggest cons to the CAMEO 4?
The biggest drawback for the CAMEO 4, in my opinion, is losing the ability to use the dual carriage for things like sketch and cut, foil and cut, and cutting with two cutting blades on different settings for stickers, etc. This ability was lost from the CAMEO 3, due to the difference of motors in each of the two carriages on CAMEO 4.The built in roll feeder on the CAMEO 4 means the tool storage drawer and mat supports are no longer present. There is also a much small tool storage area - with room for just a single tool.
I also think it's a real bummer that the machine is essentially a single carriage cutter out of the box. None of the Carriage 2 tools are included in the box and the Autoblade and 4 blade adapters that are included can only be used in Carriage 1. It's even more of a disappointment in the short term - as none of the specialty blades (Kraft, Rotary, Punch tool) are even available to purchase separately at the time of the CAMEO 4 launch.
You can find my full first thoughts on the new machine in this Silhouette CAMEO 4 review.
Is there a USB input on the CAMEO 4?
The Silhouette CAMEO 4 does not have a USB input which means it's not possible to cut from a USB drive plugged directly into the machine. This means there is no longer a way to cut without a computer either connected via USB or Bluetooth.Will the CAMEO 4 be able to cut felt and construction paper?
The CAMEO 4 should have no problem cutting these types of materials, however they will require one of the specialty tools. Because the Kraft blade and Rotary blade are not yet available, I have not been able to test them myself on these types of material - but I will!!How does the Matless Cutting Feature work?
The Silhouette CAMEO 4 will be able to cut unlined materials - such as paper - without a cutting mat. Here's more on how CAMEO 4 matless cutting works.What is the Silhouette Punch tool used for?
The CAMEO 4 is not a self weeding cutting machine. The easy weeding feature is because...no, the machine, as powerful as it is, is not self-weeding.Will the Silhouette CAMEO 4 be available in any other colors besides white, pink and black?
Yes. Retailers can order custom colors but they will not be available until closer to the end of 2019.Do you ever sleep?
Yes..and I dream about CAMEO 4 ;) Go get yourself one! Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!
Get Silhouette School lessons delivered to your email inbox! Select Once Daily or Weekly.
.png)
After considering the pros and cons and new features I think they should have continued the Cameo 3 and given the Cameo 4 a different name altogether.
ReplyDeleteCould.not.agree.more!!!
DeleteI will definitely upgrade at some point. I have been a Silhouette Lover since SD days and have the 2 and 3 also. I am happy with the 3, but definitely want to upgrade to the 4. The question in my mind is do I do it now, or wait for the wider formats to come out. Will they have the same features as the 4?
ReplyDeleteThe 15" and 20" machines will be the same as the CAMEO 4 just wider.
DeleteWould be great if could cut wider than 12"
ReplyDelete15" and 20" versions are coming in 2020
DeleteHi What is the thickness of card the Cameo 4 will cut?
ReplyDeleteI have a CraftRobo [1st version of a Portrait] and I have used it a lot (mostly stuff for Messy Church). Later on I got a Cameo, which worked well with my A3 printer - larger prints and more cutting. Then the printer went kaput and I am back working with A4.
I am glad that I delayed switching to a Cameo 3 [which I had considered] and here we have a Cameo 4 with a higher cutting force. If this cuts stouter material, this will be boon for my Messy Church cutouts. In the UK paper and card are given in grams per square metre (GSM)
The A series sizes are here https://www.papersizes.org/a-paper-sizes.htm
and A0 is one square metre; 16 sheets are equivalent to 1 A0, so if you don't know the gsm weighing 16 A4 sheets will give you that. The Craft Robo will cut up to around 200 gsm and struggles beyond that and then needs to Double Cut. I am keen to know with the higher force what thickness of card the 4 will cut - 600 - 800 gsm would be perfect.
No indication yet of when these will reach the UK but if they are good at cutting thicker card, I can't wait!
Do you have to pay extra for the option to import your own SVG files on the cameo 4? Ive been looking online and I see that in the past silhouette users had to pay $50 for software to import custom made designs
ReplyDeletei need help is there an businees bundle for camaeo 4? or just a regular bundle either way where do i go to order the bundle for cameo 4? thank yoou
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about the wider versions of the Cameo 4 (15" especially). Do you have any word on the size of the print and cut space on those larger versions when they come out? I'd assume they'll still use the same corner guide marks so still not use a full sheet of 11x14 or larger paper, but curious. :)
ReplyDelete